By John Cornyn
U.S. Senator, Texas

It was 89 years ago that Americans first noted the November 11 with distinction.  After four years of bloodshed throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia, and more than a year of U.S. involvement, Germany signed an armistice, marking the end of what was then called “The Great War.” 

One year later, President Woodrow Wilson declared Nov. 11 National Armistice Day, dedicated to the remembrance of the end of the First World War. Following the Second World War, however, it became clear that this day should commemorate not only the veterans of World War One, but every veteran who has served and fought for America. 

This year we honor an increasing number of veterans for their service to our country.  Service members returning home from duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other fields of battle in the global war on terror, join the proud and honorable tradition of American veterans in whose name we pay tribute.

Although our veterans are divided by large generational gaps and defined by the conflicts in which they served – Iraq and Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea, the World Wars and others – they are united by the bond of their service in defense of our nation. 

And while gains in technology and the evolution of tactics have changed some of the duties and functions performed by our troops, the essential ingredients remain the same:  dedication to duty, love of country and bravery in the face of adversity.

I have had the opportunity to visit Iraq and look into the faces of our young men and women fighting for freedom.  In their eyes, I see the common legacy of their forebearers:  the courage, strength and honor which have been handed down to every soldier, sailor, airman and marine by the generations that preceded them, dating centuries back to the American soldiers of Gen. George Washington’s Continental Army.

This noble spirit of sacrifice, whether of health, livelihood, or of life itself, is the defining characteristic of the American service member.  Past, present, or future, our military personnel represent America’s finest citizens – men and women who are called to provide the ultimate service to their country.